GREATER NAPIER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 95, 5 April 1934, Page 6

GREATER NAPIER

Planning Expert’s Advice MR. MAWSON MAY ACT One of the subjects which may be resolved at the meeting of the Napier Borough Council next Monday night is the appointment of Mr. J. W. Mawson, late Director of Town Planning in this country, as consultant to the council. From time to time he has advised the town planning committee of the council upon certain matters, and it now appears likely that the council will ask his opinion upon the development of the Marine Parade, and for his suggestions as to how the council should use the 478 acres of land to be known as greater Napier.

Mr Mawson was in Napier yesterday. He met the town planning committee of the council, and, it is un derstood, laid before them certain matters for their consideration. According to information made available yesterday afternoon, it is suggested that these matters, coupled with the affirmation of his appointment as consultant to the eouneil, will be determined on Monday night, when the council is to hold its monthly meeting.

From what baa been said, it would appear that the late Director of Town Planning has launched and carried into effect a number of seaside developmental projects in different parts of England, notably Blackpool, Bridlington, Weston-super-Mare, Bognor, and that if the council makes this appointment it will have the benefit of Mr Mawson ’s experience elsewhere. Mr Mawson may undertake to show the council where it can save from £15,000 to £20,000 in its scheme for the plotting and arrangement of the land which lies to the south of the Tutaekuri river.

His suggestions may include the provision of, say, four houses to the acre, the whole area so planned as to include playing areas for children, and streets arranged so that children will bo encouraged to use the playing areas, instead of the streets. Thus, it is suggested, the risk of children’s deaths through automobile accidents would be greatly lessened, and the entire area laid out to the utmost advantage. Possibly, the carriage way (when the Tutaekuri river is completely diverted) will be a continuation of Kennedy road, flanked with trees, so transforming it into a boulevarde, while the old bed of the river may be converted into a ten-acre lake, fringed with trees and native bush. From this lake the council would derive good revenue in the summer period, he has suggested, as well as giving the town, its people and its visitors, a beautiful place where they may spend the summer afternoons.

It is believed that his present plans, which have not yet been committed to paper, include tho provision of a 12inch pipe-line to carry the water from the Tutaekuri to the lake site, so ensuring a comparatively constant flow of fresh water, which could bo syphoned from the river to the lake. In all probability, and provided the levels are suitable, there could be a sufficient area of lake to have a halfmile water course. The extent of his scheme is not yet disclosed, but there seems the likelihood of its being brought before the council on Monday night.